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HOLIDAYS: The fastest growing tourist destinations in the world have been revealed in new research - with a country popular with Britons taking number one place. Can you guess what it is?

The fastest growing tourist destination in the world has been revealed in new research released by the United Nations.

Egypt received a record number of tourists in 2017 compared to 2016 as the North African country continues to recover from a spate of terrorist attacks and tragic accidents.

The finding was unveiled in the Tourism Highlights Report of the UN's World Tourism Organisation which presents a concise overview of international tourism in the world based on the results for the year 2017.

The report revealed that 2017 saw the highest growth in international tourist arrivals in seven years since 2010, as well as the recovery of destinations suffering from security challenges in recent years. Egypt is one such destination.

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However, 2017 saw the country benefit from an incredible 55.1 per cent increase in tourists compared to 2016.

“Egypt led growth both in absolute and relative terms in arrivals, rebounding strongly from previous years,” the report said.

It added: “Visitor numbers rebounded from both traditional markets in Western Europe and emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Promotional efforts and a return of confidence contributed to this recovery.”

Egypt’s success in the report is backed up by statistics from Thomas Cook which has revealed that in 2018 Egypt experienced more bookings than in previous years.

Tourists should be aware, though, that the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) state that the risk of terrorism is “very likely.”

However, they add: “Around 319,000 British nationals visited Egypt in 2017. Most visits are trouble-free.”

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Holidays: Togo - which is known for its hiking - experienced a 46.7 per cent increase of tourists (Image: Getty Images)

Safest cities in the world 2018

Safest cities in the world 2018

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10. Nice

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9. Rio de Janeiro

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8. San Francisco

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7. London

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6. Tokyo

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5. Dubai

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4. Seoul, South Korea

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Chicago

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2. New York City, USA

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1. Singapore

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San Marino experienced a tourist increase of 31.1 per cent in 2017 compared to 2016.

The microstate has a population of just 33,000 but welcomes many Italians on day trips.

In fourth place was Vietnam, which has had a tourist increase of 29.1 per cent.

After Vietnam, in fifth position, was Georgia - a former Soviet republic at the intersection of Europe and Asia. It’s had a tourist increase of 27.9 per cent.

The remaining top ten countries with fastest growing tourism included Palestinian Territories, Niue (in the South Pacific), Nepal, Israel and The Northern Mariana Islands (in the north-west Pacific Ocean).

Last month it was revealed that new rules could soon be introduced for travellers heading to the country on holiday to prevent the rise in incidents following the deaths of British couple John and Susan Cooper at a popular Thomas Cook hotel resort. Tourists could soon be forced to purchase travel insurance before being allowed into the country.